Summer Game Fest 2023 has begun, the annual June event that encompasses several digital showcases and events, including Xbox, Capcom, Devolver Digital, and the PC Gaming Show (Sony jumped the gun a bit with the PlayStation Showcase, which premiered last month).
But it all starts with the Summer Game Fest showcase, hosted by industry luminary Geoff Keighley, in front of a live audience at the YouTube theater in Los Angeles.
While they were fewer brand new reveals and announcements than The Game Awards, the showcase featured in-depth gameplay looks, as well as interviews with developers. And a surprise guest appearance by actor Nicolas Cage!
We’ve compiled the biggest highlights below.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Keighley closed the show with a new gameplay trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the sequel (or rather, continuation) of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Rebirth is slated to be the second of three games that retell the original story of Final Fantasy 7, one of the most beloved and iconic console RPGS. Rebirth is also developed as a stand-alone adventure, taking Cloud and his allies beyond the city of Midgar and into the world beyond.
Rebirth will release exclusively on PlayStation 5 in early 2024.
Nicolas Cage in Dead by Daylight
Prolific actor Nicolas Cage is going to star in Dead by Daylight, a multiplayer horror-survival game that pits killers versus survivors. In a surprise announcement, Cage is being added to the horror game as a survivor, including his likeness and voice. The actor also appeared on-stage with Keighley for a brief interview about his first involvement in the gaming world.
Mortal Kombat 1
The recently revealed MK1 is both a reboot and a sequel to the long-running fighting game franchise. Summer Game Fest showed off a new trailer that includes our first glimpse of gameplay (above), and a nice interview with series developer Ed Boon. Mortal Kombat 1 will release September 19 on PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Once a cult classic, the Yakuza series is becoming more and more mainstream. Like a Dragon Gaiden is a spin-off of the over-the-top action series, set between Yakuza 6 and the next game in the series, Like a Dragon 8. It’s coming to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox on November 9th.
Jason Isaacs in Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 was announced forever ago, and has been semi-available via Steam Early Access since 2020. The D&D RPG is finally releasing later this year on August 31 on PC and PlayStation 5. The marketing train has left the station with this new trailer, which reveals actor Jason Isaacs as the villainous Lord Enver Gortash.
Sonic Superstars
Sega announced a new 2.5D Sonic platformer that looks like well, a classic Sonic 2D platformer, nice! Sonic Superstars will feature four playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose as they explore the North Star Islands and battle the forces of Doctor Eggman. Up to four players can run around together via 4-player local co-op when it launches Fall 2023.
Fortnite Wilds
Chapter 4: Season 3 of Fortnite is called Wilds. The center of the island has collapsed into an ancient jungle filled with dinosaurs and, uh, the Transformers? The jungle terrain adds raptor riding, mud sliding (and camouflage), vine grinding, and deadly vegetation, along with the usual mix of new weaponry and a new battle pass filled with jungle-themed outfits. And Optimus Prime.
Alan Wake 2
Originally announced at The Game Awards 2021, the long-awaited sequel Alan Wake 2 gets a beefy new gameplay trailer (above), as well as an interview with Sam Lake, creative director at Remedy Entertainment. The sequel ramps up the horror elements, and adds a second playable protagonist in FBI agent Saga Anderson, the heroine written by the titular star as he tries to escape from his nightmare world.
Alan Wake 2 will release on October 17 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft announced Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a 2.5D sidescrolling adventure that takes the series back to its roots, with a metroidvania infusion. New hero Sargon must explore and battle his way through the supernatural creatures, puzzles, and traps of Mount Qaf. The Lost Crown will launch on January 17, 2024 on PC and consoles.
Stay tuned for more big news drops and announcements of Summer Game Fest 2023!
